Chris Broom

University of Portsmouth lecturer receives MBE

THERE was entertainment ranging from ferrets and ducks to BMX stunts and a military band as well more than 250 categories for the green-fingered to try their hand in at the Emsworth Show.

And groups from across the community were also there.

TALL TALES An entertainer at the Emsworth Show. (122846-132)

The First Emsworth Drake Cubs were running the coconut shy. The group’s Akela John Forster said: ‘We’ve run this for the horticultural society for 20 years and it’s always very popular.

‘Some of the kids come back again and again and again.’

Viv Davies of the Emsworth Community Association said: ‘It went very well, nearly everything we brought disappeared.

‘We’re always on the lookout for new members, and I think we got a few more.’

Pat Carter, 72, from Uplands Road in Rowlands Castle, took first prize for her vegetable basket. She said: ‘I’ve been entering for about 40 years. My late husband absolutely loved it, so I feel I ought to carry on in his memory.’

And Don Hall, 78, from Flatt Road in Nutbourne won top prizes for his onions and 53in leeks. He added: ‘I always enjoy entering, it helps keep me feeling young.’ Show chairwoman Daphne Tomsett added: ‘We think we’ve had our best ever turnout.’